War of Silence: Sins of the Father, #1

By Kaeleb LD Appleby

Political tension between the realms of Middenland are at an all time high, war seems inevitable. But none are willing to make the first move and ignite an all out melee and death of thousands. So the powers that be resort to more subtle means of combat, using the disguise of friendship they plot in the shadows seeking a chance to stab the other in the heart. 

 

Former soldier Arilden is living the easy life in the countryside with his young family. But when the neighbouring realm makes a terrorist attack on the capitol and steal a powerful magic weapon Arilden is pulled into the chaos and subterfuge of espoinage as he and other agents of Reparian attempt to take back what was stolen and prevent the balance of power being tipped against them. 

 

Thrust into the heart of espionage, Arilden embarks on a perilous mission to reclaim the stolen relic and safeguard the future of Reparian. Amidst treacherous peace negotiations and the shadows of enemy territory, he must navigate a landscape of deceit and danger to protect his loved ones and prevent the outbreak of war. Yet, as Arilden grapples with betrayal and uncertainty, he must rely on his instincts and resolve to uncover the truth.

 

In a world where alliances are fragile and trust is a luxury, he must confront the vipers lurking in the darkness and ensure the safety of his family. But little does he know, his choices will echo through the annals of Middenland's history, shaping its fate for generations to come.

 

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kaeleb LD Appleby
• Release date: Jun 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224731954

Kaeleb LD Appleby

May you all enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them

Book preview

Prologue

764 of the Modern Era

In empty darkness he walked alone. Through the narrow streets of reddish stone he made his way along the alleyway and towards the main road. Beneath the golden halo of crystal lamp he turned his collar up against the cold and damp, looking up to the top of the Emperor’s Tower, at the centre of the city. At the summit the glass sphere glowed a faint red, shimmering through the low clouds and misty rain.

The hour was late and the roads stood mostly empty. Taking a deep breath he steeled his mind and crossed the road, turning down another side street. This one was not as dark as the first, though the shadows were thick in the corners and nooks of the walls. The sound of voices and music grew louder, coming from a tavern midway along the backstreet, disturbing the silence.

Just as he reached the entrance the door burst open and a drunken pair stumbled out, arm in arm as they badly sung a popular tavern song. The bright light from inside the pub stabbed his eyes as it split the night. The music and voices reached out as well, rushing into the still alley like a great gust of wind.

With another deep breath he stepped inside, his eyes cautiously glancing around the tables and bar opposite the entrance. The Alley Cat, as it was called, was a popular dive among the locals and even though the night was growing late it was still fairly busy.

A beautiful elf violinist on the stage read the mood as the evening declined and began playing a softer tune as he meandered through the tables, his eyes still searching about.

In the far corner he spied the person he was looking for, half shrouded in the shadows. The man’s golden hair glinted in the light as a door by the bar opened and closed just as quickly.

Alright, he mumbled to himself as he headed for the table, his eyes darting about the tavern for a completely different reason.

The people in the barroom all seemed like the usual crowd; hard workers stopping in for a few drinks after work which quickly turned into a few dozen. There were some travellers as well, obvious in their more sedate nature as they sat at tables in the corners and along the walls. A few depressed patrons were slumped at the bar, nursing their drinks and preferring to get drunk alone in brooding solitude.

His eyes locked on one pair near the violinist, they seemed to be paying him too much attention as he wandered through the tables. The pair looked away and continued their conversation as he looked at them.

Relax you’re being paranoid, he muttered to himself and quickly moved the rest of the distance to the table in the corner where the man with golden hair waited for him.

Evening Jerode, the man at the table greeted him, though his voice showed no delight in the meeting. You seem rather on edge.

Of course I am, Jerode snapped back, his voice low. Do you understand what I’m risking here? If we’re discovered we’re dead.

Then we had best get to the point: you said you had information for me, replied the man as he leaned forward in his chair.

The light of the fire splashed across the man’s face, making his crimson eyes burn brightly and his devious smile shine.

Jerode hesitated and glanced back across the room, chewing on his bottom lip nervously. Jerode did not know this man’s name, but he knew he was a Fae and from Solegrad. He had never been one for patriotism, preferring money over national pride, but the fact that this conversation would be considered as treason did make him very uncomfortable. The Emperor of Reparian did not look kindly upon traitors.

Do you have my money? Jerode asked, looking back to the Fae.

The man smirked before dropping a bag of coins onto the table. Jerode was quick to grab at the money, but as his fingers clasped around the leather satchel the Fae grabbed his hand and held his arm in place.

With a frown Jerode looked to the Fae, thinking to object. But those thoughts quickly left him as he looked into the man’s crimson eyes. They promised a swift death and Jerode felt his blood turn chill.

The information, said the Fae, his voice cold and hard.

They have a Spirit Ring, Jerode hissed, and the Fae’s eyebrow lifted curiously. You know the legendary rings of magic, said to give the wielder incredible power in exchange for their life.

I know what they are, replied the Fae, his voice unchanging.

Of course you do, Jerode stammered, trying to pull his hand away from the Fae's grip.

Which one is it? asked the Fae, not releasing his hold on Jerode’s hand and bag of coins.

How the hell should I know? Snapped Jerode, keeping his voice low.

What colour is the gem?

Not sure, I think they said it was dark blue. A sapphire.

The Fae released his hold and Jerode quickly retracted his hand, leaving the bag of coins on the table.

The one of water, remarked the Fae, sounding slightly disappointed. Where is it?

Civil Affairs, answered Jerode, again he glanced around the bar room.

The elven violinist had changed the music again, encouraging the drunken patron to raise their voices in song.

Someone turned it in, not sure of what it was, Jerode continued, looking back to the Fae. They think it’s just some magic ring, but my buddy knows different, he has a talent for analysing magical things and told me that the ring was far too powerful to be any old magic item. The big shots don’t want to make a fuss about it so it’s still at Civil Affairs, waiting to be collected tomorrow.

When? asked the Fae, but his tone made it sound more like a demand.

Around midday, I think, replied Jerode. I bet the courier don’t even know what it really is. But they’ve had an elite guard watching it all day.

Tell me about the guard, what’s their talent?

How the hell should I know? Jerode snapped back. Can I go now?

The Fae did not reply, his crimson eyes hard, making Jerode shift uncomfortably in his seat. The Fae finally made a brief nod and Jerode was quick to snatch up the bag of coins and quickly move back through the tables and out into the rain. As he walked through the shadows he opened the satchel and licked his lips as the gold coins caught the glint of a street lamp. All thoughts of treason and death fled his mind at the sight of so much money.

AS HE WATCHED JERODE leave the violinist finished playing, receiving a great applause from the patrons. Putting away her violin the elf walked directly over to his table and sat down, her blue hair shimmering in the lights.

Well? she asked, her voice low.

It’s the Spirit Ring of water, replied the Fae, his tone rather uncaring.

A Spirit Ring, gasped the elf, before she frowned and started to chew a nail.

You collect it from Civil Affairs, said the Fae. There’s a guard watching it though, so you’ll need to be careful.

Sounds easy, the elf replied sarcastically before she gave him a curious look. I thought you’d go after it yourself. The Spirit Rings are of great interest to you, no?

Only one of them, answered the Fae. The others are of little consequence to me, so Solegrad is welcome to it.

This will certainly change the balance of the war, remarked the elf seriously. So, you’ll deal with the weapon facility whilst I steal the ring?

The Fae nodded in reply, his crimson eyes glowing brightly in the firelight and a thin smile on his face.

SITTING IN HER SOLAR of the Emperor’s Tower she read the file that was open on her desk, absently sipping dark red wine from her crystal chalice. It was the last drops of a particularly nice vintage from the northern vineyards of Narglefarr and she made a mental note to purchase some more of the same harvest next time she was restocking her cellar.

The hour was late and the rain pattered softly on the large glass doors that lead out onto the balcony. Resting back in her seat she finished her drink and looked to the window, watching the reflections of the fire and crystal lamps in the glass. A warm soapy bath and restful slumber would have been ideal then, but she was waiting for some very important news.

Slowly she stood up from her chair and wandered over to the low burning fire where there was little left aside from red embers. She had no more wood either. Raising her palm towards the dying fire she muttered a spell under her breath and instantly the coals flared with new life and warmth. She smiled slightly as the flickering flames slowly shifted hue, ranging from bright red to a deep gold.

The sound of the rain caught her attention, for it suddenly seemed louder than before and she turned around to see the balcony door ajar. Her eyes narrowed and her brow creased into a frown.

You should try using the door sometime, Lygari, she remarked flatly.

From the shadows among the drapes beside the door a man stepped into the light, the fire glinting off a gold tooth as he smiled. His suit was finely made for his average build and height, and atop his head he wore a wide brimmed fedora that kept his eyes in shadow.

The window is much better for our kind of business, don’t you think? Lygari replied, moving over to the table nearby to pour himself a drink from the decanter of port.

You have the news I’ve been waiting for? she asked seriously.

Yes, replied the man, pausing to sip his drink. It’s confirmed, the mission failed. The King of Solegrad is still alive.

And the assassin?

Dead.

That’s some good news at least, she replied and sighed as she pondered the news. A different tact is needed it seems, as I said to the Emperor previously.

Don’t know why that idiot commanded an assassination to begin with, Lygari scoffed and shook his head. The Emperor should’ve have listened to you, my lady.

He does that so he can believe he is still in command of Reparian, she replied offhandedly, like it did not matter. What of the other news? The Solegrad agents?

They’re in the city, Lygari replied. Unconfirmed though. But I’d bet my life they are here and know of the Spirit Ring. We should move it to a more secure place.

No, leave it where it is, she said firmly, and moved back to her desk. We’ll wait and see what they do. In the meantime I need you go to Lindinis, a person of interest is coming into Emperious tomorrow and I want to know more about him.

As she spoke she collected the file she had been reading and handed it to Lygari. Taking it the man flicked through the few pages and paused to look closer at the detailed drawing of the man in question.

Damn, I’d love to have a drawing talent, Lygari remarked absently. Look at the detail who ever drew this was able to create.

I prefer the talent you have, Lygari, she replied, moving back behind her desk to sit down.

To change my features from one average looking guy to another average looking guy, Lygari scoffed and looked at her incredulously. Kinda boring really.

But invaluable in our line of work, she was quick to reply. You had best be going; you’ll need to be in Lindinis tonight.

As you say, Lygari replied, dropping the file on her desk before finishing his drink and placing the empty glass beside it.

Without a word of farewell Lygari headed back out onto the balcony, closing the door behind him before he disappeared into the dark and rain.

Taking a deep breath she rose from her seat and walked from the room, deciding it was time to have that bath and sleep. With the assassination attempt on the King of Solegrad failing tensions between the neighbouring nation and Reparian would escalate to new heights, and it was already very tense. The war between the two realms had only recently ended with each army setting garrisons along the border to glare at each other across a paddock.

With the fighting at a standstill it was now the time for a cloak and dagger to strike at the foes of Reparian.

A smile came to her face as she let her gown slip from her shoulders to the bathroom tiles, and with the wave of her hand hot wat poured into the large tub. Slipping into the hot water her thoughts turned to the intrigue tomorrow would bring.

Chapter One

The morning was cold and quiet.

The pale streaks of dawn were crawling over the eastern horizon, peaking through the window of his house. Arilden was already awake, absently staring at the ceiling and out the window, watching the sun’s rays grow brighter and fill his bedroom with warm light.

Slowly he slipped out of bed, making sure to place the sheets and blankets back gently so as to not disturb his sleeping wife. Grabbing his clothing off the chair under the window he got changed as he watched the morning grow brighter. As the light became stronger, reaching further through the window, he looked back to his sleeping wife, a smile coming to his face as he saw the sun’s rays caress the woman’s cheek and shimmer across her dark hair.

He could have watched her sleep there for hours, but today was a busy day.

Before he headed into the other room, Arilden stopped at the doorway and looked to another sleeping beauty; his daughter. In a small cot at the foot of his bed slept his daughter of only four years. Turning slowing in her sleep and letting out a faint groan.

The sight filled him with warmth and with a wide smile on his face he headed through the small house. Beyond the bedroom was the main living and eating area, with a large hearth and cooking space in one corner and a table dominating the space. Arilden walked swiftly through the living area and into the last room in the house where there was a small bathroom and toilet for washing and other necessities. After using the facilities he moved back through the living room and grabbed and apple off the table before he headed out the front door into a small garden.

The crisp air chilled his cheeks and lunges, and he breathed deep the scent of the morning. A thin mist still clung to the ground and in the shadows around the plants a light frost covered the grass. To the east the sun was burning ever brighter, lifting the mists and melting the frosts, and inspiring the birds to sing cheerfully. The bees had already begun their flight, collecting pollen and nectar from the plants around his door and below the windows and a few butterflies were joining in the fray.

Closing the front door Arilden paused and surveyed his domain. From the front door a gravel path led through the front garden and to the small gate and stone walls that surrounded his property on the outskirts of the village Lindinis. Situated on the eastern side of the village he had clear sight lines towards the Pine Woods to the east and across the rolling green paddocks to the south. Being in the northern reaches of Reparian, the land around Lindinis was more undulating, where the middle and southern parts of the realm were predominately grasslands.

It was the Plains of Solace, in fact, that covered most of Reparian, stretching from the Solegrad capitol of Arch Eden across the border into Reparian and reaching far eastward beyond the city of Emparious to where the grasses met the shores of the Emerald Ocean and headed across the border into Zarkadia, the easternmost realm of Middenland.

Taking another deep breath Arilden wandered down his front path and out the gate into a narrow laneway that ran between his wall and a farmer’s paddock. An old mare was standing at the fence waiting for him, as she did every morning, or near about. So, finishing his apple Arilden offered the core to the mare who happily accepted the food.

How are you this morning old girl? Arilden asked the horse as he stroked the beast’s nose and gave it a pat on the neck.

The horse snorted in reply and with a smile he walked off down the laneway. Before the grassy lane reached the pathways of the village Arilden turned along another lane that ran eastwards beside another low stone wall and headed beyond the paddocks.

Mornin’ Arilden, and old man called to him from the porch of the house.

And to you, Arilden smiled back and gave a wave.

The dawn will beat us one of these days, the old man snickered and puffed his pipe. Like as not I’ll be dead by then.

The man cackled, causing Arilden’s smile to widen.

Once an army grunt, always and army grunt, Arilden gave a laugh.

Too right you are, the old man agreed and Arilden passed by the property.

Like him, the old man had spent most of his life in the Reparian army where they were roused every morning before the dawn to go on runs and do other strenuous exercises.

Arilden was able to retire after the war between Solegrad and Reparian which had ended several years ago, but he could still not shake the habit of waking so early in the morning.

Although officially ended in 762 the war was still going. All the fighting had stopped and the soldiers were pulled back to man border garrisons instead of kill each other on fields of battle, but the war was still happening.

It was now a war of silence and deceit. One of cold calculations and underhanded subterfuge. Agents from both nations slipped over the border and infiltrated the capital cities in search of some grand secrets or military plots whilst the leaders made plans of large scale invasions. Plans that would likely never be instigated, but because of the threat of Solegrad doing the same those in command liked to prepare counter measures and tactics should something ever come to fruition. 

Arilden doubted the war would ever reignite, and all the current posturing by Solegrad and his country was just that: posturing. The war had come to stalemate for a reason with neither side able to establish any dominance. It was almost as if neither side wanted to either. There had been a few large battles throughout the war, some of which Arilden had been in the middle of, but most of the time he had spent days staring at another army on the other side of a battlefield with neither force willing to make the first move.

It was much the same now, or so he heard, with several garrisons from both nations sitting on the borders staring at each other and occasionally launching a volley of arrows or magical spells. There was even a garrison not far from Lindinis, to the west in the Lycan Woods. He had visited the army there once or twice to gauge the situation, and both times it had been quiet and filled with bored soldiers.

According to the news that reached Lindinis from the capital, the situation was much the same everywhere, and although the border with Solegrad was regulated heavily it seemed that there would be no more fighting.

This was a good development in Arilden’s mind, for he had no desire to return to the army. When the war had ended three years ago he had come to Lindinis to marry the love of his life, Calis, and shortly after that his daughter was born. Merrigold was her name for she was bright and full of life. Caring for them now was all he was focused on, and even if the Emperor himself commanded Arilden to fight in another war he would decline.

Arilden had paid his dues to the Emperor already, fighting in more battles than he ever wanted. He had even been awarded medals for valour and bravery, and according to some reports he had turned the tide of one skirmish all by himself.

An exaggeration of course and he hated the glory it had brought him. But that fame had also allowed him to retire without much hassle and saw that he could spend his days with his family instead of sitting on his arse in one of the border garrisons.

The morning was building quickly now and he was leaving the laneways of Lindinis behind him, following the paddock fence to the northeast where the land began to climb slightly and the outskirts of the Pine Woods rose to greet him.

Arilden often wandered into the woods in the morning to smell the fresh air and gather a few foods stuffs like berries and mushrooms. He could have just bought the goods from the stores in Lindinis, and regularly did, but there was something special about the food he collected himself. There was also good wood for the fire among the fallen branches and trees, and with winter coming he would need to gather a good stock pile soon. But this morning he was not interested in gathering food and this walk was merely for pleasure.

Hoy there, Arilden, a hunter called to him as he began to walk along the paths through the trees. How’re you this morning?

I’m well, replied Arilden, stopping to speak a moment with the hunter beside the track. And you, Tobbie? A good catch this morning?

Aye, good enough, the man replied as he worked on repairing a rabbit trap.

Beside the hunter on a rock were several braces of coneys, each fat and looking like they would go well in a stew.

Winter will be coming quick this year I’m thinking, Tobbie continued. You hear the news of a behemoth lurking a bit further to the north, towards Lake Luna?

Yes, I did, nodded Arilden, his eyes going to the shadows among the trees. It’s odd to see one this far west, they’re usually only spotted on the other side of the Border Moors, in Celim Steep.

Tis’ true enough, the hunter agreed. Likely this one is a young male looking for a new hunting ground. Or an old one wandering far before he dies. A few of the younger lads are planning a little excursion in the coming days to find out which. Be it one or the other, I’m not sure I like the idea of a behemoth so near my home. You should join the boys on their venture, Arilden. Your battle magic would be a fine help.

Perhaps I will, Arilden said thoughtfully, the idea of a small hunting adventure bringing some excitement to his mind.

Talk to Dom if you decide to join, Tobbie replied as he finished repairing his trap. They’d be excited to have a war hero with them.

The hunter laughed at that, causing Arilden to smirk and shake his head. The comment had been made in good humour, but he still disliked being reminded of the accolades he had been awarded. It never made sense to him that he should be given the medals in place of so many others more deserving.

Arilden tried not to think about it and started off down the track.

I’ll do that, he waved to the hunter. See you later Tobbie.

The hunter called a farewell and Arilden moved swiftly through the pine trees, following a well-used hunting track that twisted around the wide trunks and through the undergrowth.

Everyone in the village knew him to be a war hero despite his attempts to keep it quiet. They all also knew he did not like being reminded and for the most part did not mention it, unless in jest like Tobbie had done. There were also a few former soldiers in Lindinis and Arilden would share a drink or two with them at the tavern on occasion where they would swap stories and have a good laugh.

The truth was, Arilden enjoyed being a soldier, and had enjoyed his time in the army. Until he saw his first real battle and watched friends die right in front of his eyes. Although they had all accepted that death might find them on the field it was hard to see a comrade die.

It was also true, that although he enjoyed the peace and quiet of village life as a family man, he missed the thrill of adventure and camaraderie of fellow soldiers. For the past four years since settling down with Calis and Merrigold he had managed to keep himself busy, doing work around the house and helping his neighbours out when they asked. The fact that he could use Battlemagic was quite the rarity in Lindinis where most people only had minor talents like the ability to levitate small objects or throw elemental projectiles. Arilden was a mage and had studied at the Academy in City State, far to the south, which made him a minority in most societies. Aside from his magical abilities Arilden actually had no natural born talent like most humans, a trait he had passed on to his daughter. He had hoped Calis’ talent for making plants grow rapidly and with extra vibrancy would have passed onto their daughter, but it had not been the case. His biggest hope now was that Merrigold would have an aptitude for magic like he did, otherwise he knew she would be ridiculed for the rest of her life.

People with no talents were considered lesser in human society even though the percentage of no talent was higher among the races of dwarves, halflings, and elves. Most with no talents were considered second class citizens these days, and because of that they turned to becoming werewolves, vampires, or demons simply to try and improve their status. But that did not always turn out to be true, and whilst Arilden was studying in City State, where the largest families of werewolves, vampires and demons lived, he had seen this first hand. A friend of Arilden’s, Torque had chosen to become a werewolf, and even though he had been born with a talent, his life had been destroyed by the internal hierarchies of the werewolf families.

I must visit Torque some time, Arilden mumbled to himself as he walked through the trees, following the track as it started to curve back around and lead towards the village.

The path was uneven as it turned around the roots of the pine trees on a gradual decent towards Lindinis. Among the rocks and grass tufts was littered pine needles and cones that, when dry, made for good kindling. As he pushed through a shrub a deer was startled and took off through the woods, nimbly darting around the tree trunks and causing several others to take flight as well.

Arilden paid them no never mind and headed from the trees, back past the farm paddocks and walked into the main township from the north. The mayors house looked bright in the morning sun, its whitewashed walls and picket fence glaring in Arilden’s brown eyes as he passed by it and wandered into town.

The main road through the buildings was wide and mainly dirt, becoming muddy during the rains and winter snows. The houses and shops were all built of wood and stone and in the early morning Arilden could see that the townsfolk were already awake and going about their daily business. The shops were opening and Arilden called a few morning greetings to those he passed.

Lindinis still seemed like the frontier town when it was first built many decades ago. Being the northern most township in Reparian it never received much popularity with most folk liking to be close to the capital of Emperious. Originally Lindinis was built as a logging town, cutting down the trees in the Pine and Lycan Woods. It had since become a farming and harvesting town that sent their produce as far south as the Blue Mountains either by magic or train.

Arilden walked by the old train station then and turned the corner, passing through a narrow path between some houses. The large Teleportation Terminal stood right beside the station which allowed travellers to teleport great distances in a second. Naturally, the teleportation terminal garnered more traffic than the train station, but because the price was higher for using the magical service many people still chose to travel by train. But the train lines did not go beyond Riparian borders, so if someone wanted to go to someplace like City State or even Arch Eden they would need to use the teleportation service, or take the train to a city with an airship terminal. If a particular traveller was more destitute they would need to go on foot or horseback. But it was uncommon to see folk riding horseback and walking the roads these days.

Airship travel was the most cost efficient means of traversing Middenland in this day and age, and Arilden turned an eye towards the clear blue skies as he recalled the first time he had travelled on an airship. He spied no aircrafts in the sky this day, but on occasion a few would fly overhead, going towards the kingdom of Lakelinds to the north and their capital of Delaforr. 

Moving between a few more houses and their low stone fences Arilden reached the back gate of his property and walked into the small yard that was screened by bushy trees. The smell of cooking filled his nose before he walked in the back door and through the wash room into the main living space.

Dada! Merrigold cried with delight as she saw him enter and raced over to greet him. Where were you?

I took a walk up into the Pine Woods, Arilden replied with a smile as he picked his daughter up in his arms.

A short walk this morning, remarked Calis as she stirred some porridge in a pot.

I have to go into Emperious today, remember, Arilden replied as he moved over to his wife and gave her kiss.

Can I come? Merrigold asked, her chocolate coloured eyes sparkling.

I suppose you could, Arilden said thoughtfully, looking to Calis. You and mummy could both come if you want.

Please mummy, please can we go? Merrigold called to her mother.

I suppose we could, Calis said thoughtfully. I was going to do some gardening this morning to prepare for winter, but I suppose that could wait until the afternoon.

Can we ride the train? Merrigold asked suddenly.

If we do that, mummy won’t be able to tend to her garden this afternoon, Arilden remarked to his daughter. Train rides are very long between here and Emperious.

Merrigold groaned with disappointment and Arilden put her back on the floor.

Maybe on the way back we’ll ride the train, Calis offered, bringing the delight back her daughter’s face. And there are trams that run in Emperious too.

Trams? Merrigold wondered curiously. What’s a tram?

You’ll have to wait a find out, Arilden said with a smile. Best go and get yourself ready Merrigold, we’ll be leaving after breakfast.

His daughter quickly run off into her room to put her good clothes on, causing Calis to laugh slightly. 

You hadn’t mentioned that you were going into Emperious today, Calis said gently as she took the pot off the stove and over to the table.

Didn’t I? Arilden wondered, sitting down to eat his porridge. No, I suppose I didn’t.

Is it something to do with the army? Calis guessed, a concerned look on her face as she sat opposite him.

Yes, nodded Arilden, his tone serious. They asked me to speak with them about something important, I’m not sure what. But I can guess it has something to do with this brooding conflict with Solegrad.

You don’t have to do what they ask, Arilden, Calis said with some concern.

I know, he replied. If they want me to join the fighting again I will say no, of course. My life is here now, with you and Merrigold.

Calis did not reply, a slight look of disbelief in her features. She knew he had been restless of late, unsure of how to spend these idle days and fast becoming tied of village life.

Ready, Merrigold suddenly declared as she came from the other room.

Both Arilden and Calis laughed lightly at the sight, for her clothes were skew-whiff and her hair still a mess.

You can’t go to the capital looking like that dear, Calis exclaimed, a wide smile on her face as she stood up from the table. Come, let me help you. You can help mummy with her hair as well.

Okay, Merrigold agreed and the pair walked back into the bedroom.

Arilden smiled as he watched the two girls depart before finishing his meal and washing the dishes. By the time that was done his daughter and wife were ready and together they left the house and headed for the Teleportation Terminal.

Although Arilden was skilled as a mage, specifically magic designed for combat, and he knew a spell of teleportation, he could not teleport the distance to Emperious. As such they were required to pay the steep fee for using the national teleportation network that connected all of the major cities of Middenland. Although, these days teleportation between Reparian and Solegrad was heavily regulated, and magical platforms that